Factors affecting the bioadhesive property of tablets consisting of hydroxypropyl cellulose and carboxyvinyl polymer.

The bioadhesive property of tablets consisting of hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) and carboxyvinyl polymer (CP) was investigated using the mouse peritoneal membrane. The adhesion force was significantly affected by the mixing ratio of HPC and CP in the tablet, and the weakest adhesion force was observed at the ratio of 3:2 (HPC:CP). Interpolymer complex formation was confirmed between HPC and CP in the acidic medium by turbidity and viscosity measurements. The interaction between CP carboxyl groups and HPC molecules was considered to be a possible mechanism for this complex formation on the basis of a Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. These observations suggested that the adhesion force of the HPC--CP tablet to the mucous membrane was significantly affected by the interpolymer complex formation between HPC and CP.